The Chhattisgarh Police have identified a significant LPG diversion operation valued at approximately Rs 1.5 crore, resulting in the arrest of District Food Officer Ajay Yadav, who is alleged to be the mastermind behind the scheme. In addition to Yadav, two individuals, gas agency operator Pankaj Chandrakar and Raipur resident Manish Choudhary, have also been taken into custody. The case centres on the illegal siphoning of over 92 metric tonnes of LPG from six tanker capsules that were allegedly secured under the Essential Commodities Act in December 2025.

Reports indicate that the illegal activities began on March 23 when Yadav and Chandrakar reportedly met to strategise the theft. Choudhary was later brought into the scheme to help locate buyers for the diverted gas. The police allegation suggests that the suspects undertook an inspection of the tankers at the Singhoda police station on March 26, estimating their total volume to exceed 100 metric tonnes.

Details of the Operation and Financial Transactions

The investigation revealed that a deal was arranged with Thakur Petrochemicals, reportedly for Rs 80 lakh. According to police findings, the distribution of the illicit profits was predetermined, with Yadav allegedly set to receive Rs 50 lakh, while the remaining amount was to be shared by his accomplices. This plan reflected a well-organised scheme aimed at financial gains through illegal means.

The execution of the diversion relied on a court-sanctioned process for custody transfer. Due to safety concerns amid the summer heat, local authorities directed that the tankers be moved to a secure facility. On March 30, the tankers were officially transferred to Thakur Petrochemicals for safekeeping. However, police investigations indicate that gas was extracted within a week following this transfer.

To conceal their actions, the suspects allegedly forged panchanama documents and fabricated weighment records, sometimes preparing these documents even before the appropriate measurements were taken. This manipulation of paperwork highlights the depth of the conspiracy.

Technical Analysis and Ongoing Investigation

Authorities have dismissed the likelihood of accidental leakage from the tankers, as technical experts determined that the capsules were mechanically sound and suitable for holding pressurised gas without issues. The police’s investigation involved a comprehensive effort, deploying a 40-member team that utilised call records and scientific interrogation methods to dismantle the operation.

During the arrests, police seized cash and mobile phones from the accused individuals. The trio now confronts serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Essential Commodities Act, which include criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, and forgery. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities exploring the possibility of additional accomplices in the operation.

The police remain focused on ensuring that all individuals involved in this scheme are brought to justice. As the investigation unfolds, further details regarding the extent of the operation are expected to emerge, shedding light on the implications for the local economy and regulatory framework surrounding essential commodities.

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